Homeowners who want to expand their indoor living space without the cost of complete room additions often choose to convert their patio or lanai area into a sunroom. What about giving up your enclosure for a sunroom though? If that is what you’re considering, this article may help you make your final decision. We’re listing the benefits of turning your enclosure into a bona fide sunroom.
We’ll let you know if there are any cons to consider as well.
Boosts structural integrity
Your screen enclosure provides some protection from the elements. Ultraviolet (UV) rays filter through the screens making them less intense. And, if the wind isn’t blowing too hard, the enclosure does a good job of keeping you dry should you want to sit outdoors during a rain.
If you convert your enclosure into a sunroom, you and your family will have a stronger defense against the elements. You have the option of installing windows that have added UV protection built in as well. They would be a bit more costly, but some would say it is totally worth the added expense.
Moreover, your sunroom would be framed out as outlined by Florida’s strict building codes. This creates a more stable foundation that may better withstand hurricane force winds should you ever be in the path of a serious storm.
Climate control
Screen enclosures allow air to flow freely throughout your outdoor living space. They also provide a bit of shade on those hot, sultry days. Sunrooms allow you to enjoy a clear view from every angle while enjoying a cooler temperature thanks to air conditioning.
Peace and quiet
Do you live in a neighborhood where the homes are built so close together that you can almost reach over and touch your neighbor’s house from your window? When you’re spending time in your screen enclosure, it can be hard to feel as if your family has any privacy at all. Voices carry through the air after all and, quite possibly, right into the neighbors’ ears.
Lots of homeowners choose to install double-pane windows in their sunrooms because they create a sound barrier from the inside and outside. We’ll mention that double-pane windows will be at the higher end cost-wise, but homeowners are quick to express their happiness with the decision. The environment becomes more peaceful, which enhances relaxation time.
Who wouldn’t love that?
Sunrooms eradicate pollen
Your screen enclosure can keep bugs and insects out of the area. Snakes, rodents, and other wildlife are blocked from coming too close to the house, too. Still, we can’t get around the fact that Florida is plagued with pollen for several weeks in the spring.
For those who suffer from allergies, it can be impossible to spend time outdoors. If you convert your enclosure into a sunroom, the glass windows create the needed barrier to keep pollen and other allergens—and mold comes to mind here—out.
Increases your home’s value
Curb appeal can charm prospective buyers into making an offer. An eye-catching sunroom qualifies as an attractive feature that appeals to home appraisers, real estate agents, and, of course, the would-be buyers. Sunrooms expand your indoor living space and, therefore, increase the property value to some degree.
Agents will love being able to sell the space. After all, it can be multifunctional and once she knows the potential buyer’s interests, she can customize her selling points, trying to reel in an offer. If the buyer has children, a sunroom can provide them a safe, sunny spot to play. Do they enjoy working out? Moving their equipment into the sunroom may appeal to them.
Many potential scenarios could apply.
If it ain’t broke
Sunrooms provide you with protection from the elements while allowing you to feel closer to nature. They create a bug-free zone that is impossible for all manner of bugs and insects to penetrate. Small animals, reptiles, and amphibians can’t break through the sunroom’s borders either. A sunroom can create stunning curb appeal and, thereby, it increases the value of your home to some degree.
We told you we’d share the cons, too. However, when it comes right down to it, the biggest con we have for choosing to convert your screen enclosure into a sunroom is the cost. Your screen enclosure already provides you with all of the benefits that a sunroom can, except for air conditioning. A well-placed ceiling fan or two would keep the air circulating. They do a wonderful job of stirring up a constant breeze.
Your level of UV protection would likely be higher if you choose to install beefed up windows. However, that can get costly pretty quickly because a sunroom is enclosed in glass.
You see where we’re going here, right?
Consider converting your screens instead
If one of the reasons that has you considering a conversion is that your screens are in bad need of repair anyway, why not replace them with screens that are customized with stunning digital imagery? Imagine surrounding yourself with a scene of the surf rolling into shore. Or perhaps a luxurious tropical forest complete with cascading waterfalls is your favorite spot in the entire world—
Screen customization allows you to completely change your environment. The designs are visible from both sides of the screen, creating a beautiful view for your neighbors to admire as well. The images are printed using dyes that are infused with added UV protection to guard against sun fade. They are guaranteed to remain vibrant for years.
Moreover, you, your family, and friends are guaranteed to love hanging out in your new getaway spot. Be prepared to get volunteered to host special events and other get-togethers. We wouldn’t be surprised.
Having the party come to you isn’t all bad. In fact, many would agree that it was rather unfair of everyone else in the group who always wanted to meet at a specific friend’s house. If converting your screens and not your space is the route you wind up taking, enjoy your new space.
Maybe you can use some of the money you saved not converting to a sunroom to splurge on new patio furniture or decor. It doesn’t take much to completely change the ambiance in the room when coupled with beautiful imagery.